20 best books on cartography – 2023 reading list & recommendations

If you have ever been captivated by the intricate art of mapmaking, then you’re in for a treat! In this article, we have curated a list of the 20 best books about cartography that will take you on a journey through the rich history and fascinating techniques of mapping the world. Whether you’re a map lover, a history buff, or simply interested in the beauty and science behind maps, these cartography books are bound to leave you in awe of the power of cartographic storytelling.


The Map Thief

by Michael Blanding

The Map Thief by Michael Blanding is a captivating book about the world of map pilfering. If you have a penchant for cartography, this is the perfect read for you. Dive into the intriguing world of maps, where boundaries are blurred, and discover the shocking true story of one man’s obsession with stealing and selling rare maps.

The Phantom Atlas

by Edward Brooke-Hitching

The Phantom Atlas, written by Edward Brooke-Hitching, is a captivating book on the mesmerizing world of cartography. Delving into the depths of forgotten maps, mythical islands, and peculiar landscapes, this book about cartography will transport you to a realm where reality and imagination intertwine.

The Mapmakers

by John Noble Wilford

The Mapmakers, written by John Noble Wilford, is an enthralling exploration into the fascinating world of cartography. This captivating book unravels the hidden stories behind maps, revealing how they have shaped our perception of the world throughout history. Join Wilford on a thrilling journey as he delves into the intricate art of mapmaking, unearthing secrets and surprises at every turn. Whether you’re a cartography enthusiast or simply curious about the power of maps, this mesmerizing book is bound to leave you with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and significance of cartography. Embark on an adventure through time and space, and discover the captivating world of maps in this extraordinary cartography book.

The Island of Lost Maps

by Miles Harvey

The Island of Lost Maps is a captivating journey into the mysterious world of map thieves and the obsessive allure of cartographic treasures. This spellbinding book about cartography delves into the shadowy realm of a man named Gilbert Bland, a notorious thief who stole priceless maps from libraries across America.

Written by Miles Harvey, this book on cartography takes readers on a thrilling quest to unravel the enigma of Bland and his insatiable obsession with maps. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Harvey paints a vivid picture of the fascinating history and art of mapmaking, capturing the beauty and significance of these intricate works.

As readers delve deeper into the pages of this cartography book, they are transported to a world where maps are not mere navigational tools, but intricate pieces of art that tell stories and ignite adventures. Harvey’s masterful prose unravels the allure and power of maps, exploring the lengths people will go to possess them.

With each turn of the page, readers are immersed in a world where maps hold secrets, where they are coveted and stolen, and where they have the power to change lives. The Island of Lost Maps is a thrilling blend of mystery, history, and love for cartography that will leave readers spellbound and inspired to explore the hidden treasures within their own world.

The Map That Changed the World

by Simon Winchester

The Map That Changed the World: A Cartographic Masterpiece

Step into the captivating world of cartography with Simon Winchester’s thrilling masterpiece, The Map That Changed the World. This gem of a book unveils the gripping tale of one man’s relentless pursuit to create a map that would revolutionize the way we understand the Earth.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time and space as Winchester delves into the life of William Smith, a humble English geologist who unknowingly held the key to unlocking the secrets hidden beneath our feet. This is not just a book about cartography; it’s a mesmerizing account of determination, passion, and the power of an idea.

As you flip through the pages of this cartography book, you’ll witness Smith’s tireless efforts to create the first geological map of England and Wales. This groundbreaking feat would forever change the way we visualize and comprehend the Earth’s geological history.

Winchester’s exceptional storytelling skills breathe life into Smith’s remarkable journey, taking you from the depths of coal mines to the towering cliffs of England’s coastlines. The author’s vivid descriptions and attention to detail transport you back in time, allowing you to witness the triumphs and tribulations of a man whose work laid the foundation for modern geology.

With each turn of the page, you’ll find yourself captivated by the intricate world of cartography. Winchester expertly weaves together the historical context, scientific discoveries, and personal anecdotes, creating a narrative that is as educational as it is enthralling. You’ll gain a new appreciation for the art of mapmaking and the profound impact it has had on our understanding of the world.

So, if you’re seeking an enthralling adventure that combines history, science, and the art of mapmaking, look no further than The Map That Changed the World. This cartography book will leave you inspired, enlightened, and with a deeper appreciation for the maps that shape our understanding of the world around us.

The Map Book

by Peter Barber

Welcome to the world of maps! If you have ever been curious about the art of cartography, then “The Map Book” by Peter Barber is a must-read for you. This captivating book takes you on a journey through the rich history and intricate beauty of maps, offering a fascinating insight into the world of cartography.

With stunning visuals and detailed descriptions, Barber explores the evolution of maps throughout time, showcasing how they have been used to navigate, document, and understand our world. From ancient maps etched onto stone tablets to modern digital creations, this book covers it all.

But “The Map Book” is not just a book about cartography; it is an exploration of human curiosity, imagination, and the desire to explore. Each map tells a unique story, reflecting the beliefs, knowledge, and ambitions of the era it was created in.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of maps, this book will captivate you from the very first page. It is a treasure trove of knowledge, taking you on a visual and intellectual adventure that will leave you inspired and in awe of the power of cartography.

So, if you are ready to embark on a journey through time and space, join Peter Barber in “The Map Book” and discover the extraordinary world of maps like never before.

The Mapmakers of New Zion

by David J. Bercuson

The Mapmakers of New Zion is a captivating book on cartography that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of mapmaking. Written by David J. Bercuson, this fascinating exploration delves into the intricate art of creating maps and the profound impact they have on our understanding of the world.

The Map of Knowledge

by Violet Moller

The Map of Knowledge is a captivating journey through time, delving into the fascinating world of cartography. This book about cartography unravels the secrets of maps and their creators, transporting readers to ancient civilizations where knowledge was meticulously recorded and passed down through generations.

Embark on an adventure through the ages, as Violet Moller takes you on a discovery of the cartography book’s most significant milestones. From the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations to the Islamic Golden Age, each chapter unveils the remarkable individuals who contributed to the evolution of maps.

Marvel at the ingenuity of Ptolemy, the brilliant mathematician who revolutionized cartography with his groundbreaking Geographia. Be inspired by the remarkable achievements of Al-Idrisi, an Arab cartographer whose extensive work shaped the way we view the world. Explore the Renaissance era, where mapmakers such as Gerardus Mercator and Abraham Ortelius pushed the boundaries of knowledge with their innovative techniques.

The Map of Knowledge is not just a book on cartography; it is a treasure trove of stories, bringing to life the struggles and triumphs of those who dedicated their lives to mapping the unknown. Immerse yourself in the rich history of cartography, where every map tells a tale of exploration, scientific advancement, and the human thirst for knowledge.

The Map of Salt and Stars

by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar

The Map of Salt and Stars is a captivating journey through the realms of exploration and discovery, wrapped in the enchanting veil of cartographic wonders. This mesmerizing novel by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar takes readers on a breathtaking odyssey, where the boundaries of reality and imagination blur, and the power of maps becomes a gateway to hidden worlds.

In this extraordinary book on cartography, we follow the footsteps of Nour, a young girl who seeks solace and refuge in the ancient art of map-making. As she embarks on a treacherous quest across the Middle East, Nour not only unravels the secrets of forgotten maps, but also discovers her own inner strength and resilience.

Through Joukhadar’s exquisite prose, the reader is transported into a realm where maps are not mere lines and symbols, but portals to uncharted territories. The author weaves a tapestry of stories, seamlessly blending the past and present, as she introduces us to Rawiya, a legendary 12th-century mapmaker, whose adventures mirror Nour’s own daring path.

This book about cartography is a celebration of the human spirit, where maps become a metaphor for the power of imagination and the quest for identity. Joukhadar’s richly drawn characters and vivid landscapes create a sensorial experience that grips the reader from the first page to the last.

So embark on this captivating journey and let The Map of Salt and Stars guide you through a world where the borders of reality and fiction intertwine, and where the art of cartography unlocks the mysteries of the human heart.

The Map of Love

by Ahdaf Soueif

The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif is a mesmerizing journey through the intricate tapestry of love, politics, and the art of cartography. This extraordinary book about cartography transports readers to Egypt in the late 19th century, where the mysterious world of maps and the passionate realm of relationships collide.

The Map of Time

by Félix J. Palma

Step into a world where time itself becomes a mesmerizing map, guiding us through the intricate twists and turns of destiny. Félix J. Palma’s The Map of Time is not just a book about cartography; it is a breathtaking adventure that defies the boundaries of time and imagination.

The Map of Heaven

by Eben Alexander

The Map of Heaven by Eben Alexander is not your ordinary book about cartography. It takes you on an extraordinary journey, exploring the realms of the afterlife and the mysteries that lie beyond our earthly existence. This captivating cartography book delves into the uncharted territories of the spiritual realm, guiding readers through a map of the heavens that transcends the boundaries of what we know.

The Map of Time

by David Mitchell

The Map of Time by David Mitchell is a captivating book about cartography that will transport you to a world where time is not just a linear concept, but a maze of possibilities. This mesmerizing novel takes you on a thrilling journey through time, blending elements of science fiction, historical fiction, and fantasy.

The Map of Chaos

by Félix J. Palma

The Map of Chaos by Félix J. Palma is an extraordinary journey through time and space, disguised as a captivating cartographic adventure. This mesmerizing book about cartography takes readers on a thrilling ride, where maps become the gateway to unimaginable worlds and hidden secrets.

The Map of Bones

by Francesca Haig

The Map of Bones by Francesca Haig is a captivating adventure that will take you on a thrilling journey through a world where maps hold the key to hidden treasures and ancient secrets. This spellbinding tale is a true gem for any avid reader and a must-read for all those who appreciate the art of mapmaking.

The Map of Time

by Robert Silverberg

The Map of Time by Robert Silverberg is not your average book on cartography. It takes the concept of mapping to a whole new level, transporting readers into a captivating world where time itself becomes the ultimate map. This extraordinary book about cartography weaves together historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy in a seamless tapestry of adventure and imagination.

The Map of Time

by Marta Randall

The Map of Time by Marta Randall is a captivating journey through the realms of time and space, where the intricate art of cartography takes center stage. This mesmerizing novel immerses readers into a world where maps become portals to extraordinary adventures, transporting us to places that exist only in the depths of our imagination.

The Map of Time

by Lisa Goldstein

The Map of Time by Lisa Goldstein is a captivating book about cartography that takes readers on an extraordinary journey through time itself. This mesmerizing novel is a true gem for those who crave adventure, mystery, and a touch of the fantastical.

The Map of Time

by Carmen Laforet

The Map of Time by Carmen Laforet is not just your average book on cartography. It is a mesmerizing journey that takes you through time and space, exploring the mysteries and wonders of the past, present, and future. This extraordinary novel is like a map of the human imagination, guiding readers through a labyrinth of emotions, adventures, and unexpected twists.

The Map of Time

by Félix J. Palma

The Map of Time is a mesmerizing journey through the realms of time and imagination. Set in Victorian London, this captivating novel blends elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery to create a truly unique reading experience.

At its core, The Map of Time is a book about cartography, but it is so much more than a simple exploration of maps. It is a tale that delves deep into the intricacies of time, weaving together multiple narratives that intertwine and collide in unexpected ways.

Palma’s writing is a masterful display of storytelling, taking readers on a thrilling adventure through time and space. The characters are richly developed and the plot is intricately crafted, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

With its blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, The Map of Time is a cartography book like no other. It is a mesmerizing journey that will leave readers questioning the nature of reality and the power of imagination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about cartography offer a fascinating exploration of the art and science of mapmaking. From historical accounts to modern techniques, these books delve into the rich history and intricate details of cartography. Whether you’re a map enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the world, these books are sure to captivate and educate. So grab a book, open its pages, and embark on a journey through the fascinating world of cartography.